49ers' Alex Smith will reportedly seek second opinion on concussion

SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Alex Smith reportedly is seeking a second medical opinion on the concussion that forced him from the 49ers' 24-24 tie Sunday with the St. Louis Rams, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Smith, following league-mandated protocol, met Monday with a neurologist independent of the team. ProFootballTalk.com cited an unnamed league source in its report about Smith seeking further medical advice.

If Smith is not medically cleared to play in Monday night's visit by the Chicago Bears, second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick would make his first career start for the 49ers (6-2-1).

Smith's last reported concussion came in last season's home-opening loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Smith didn't experience symptoms from that concussion until after playing that entire overtime loss. He did not miss any practice time the following week before the 49ers won at Cincinnati.

Smith has started the past 28 games, including both of last season's playoff games. This season, he's completed 70 percent of his passes (152 of 217) for 1,731 yards with 13 touchdown passes and five interceptions for a 104.0 passer rating. He's been sacked 24 times, tied for sixth-most in the league.

Kaepernick helped rally the 49ers on Sunday before they drew even with the Rams. After completing just 2 of 7 passes, Kaepernick finished 11 of 17 for 117 yards, and he also ran eight times for 66 yards in relief of Smith.

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Last year's second-round draft pick, Kaepernick has overall completed 61.5 percent of his passes (16 of 26) for 206 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He has 21 carries for 177 yards and three touchdowns.